The Bicycle as a Sustainable Transport Mode for Perth - Opportunities and Constraints

Sunil K. Govinnage

This dissertation examines four major aspects relating to sustainable transport modes for Perth. The first section of the dissertation, while defining the theories and concept of sustainable development, identifies the characteristics of sustainable transport systems. In addition, Section one also examines the role of the bicycle as a sustainable transport mode and its usage in other countries, particularly in Western Europe where the bicycle is heavily used. Section two examines issues relating to Perth's transport system and analyses whether it is sustainable or not, with a view to finding out the role of nonmotorised transport modes. A discussion on the current usage and provision of bicycle facilities in Perth is also included. Section three examines the decision making process adopted for implementing the current transport system, particularly its role and function in promoting bicycles as a transport mode. Section four includes recommendations to promote bicycle usage in Perth. A special attempt is made to outline strategies and policy recommendations to promote the bicycle as a transport mode and identify future research priorities. This dissertation examines the policy processes and the implementation of policy recommendations concerning bicycle planning in Perth. In order to understand the policy processes associated with bicycle planning work, two theoretical frameworks, namely the Frame Analysis by Rein1 and the Public Policy Making Processes such as the rational and incremental methods of decision making as outlined by Lindblom (1959) and Etzioni (1967) are used. Chapter one identifies issues and theories relating to sustainable development with a view to establishing the characteristics of sustainable transport systems. A conceptual framework is established. It examines how the sustainable development concept could be used in transport systems, using economic, environmental, cultural and other parameters. Chapter two provides background information on international trends in bicycle usage and bicycle planning in cities and towns in other countries around the world. This chapter also identifies key principles behind the success stories of bicycle promotion in overseas. Chapter three examines the benefits of cycling. Chapter four provides a qualitative analysis on issues relating to Perth's transport system. In this regard, issues such as the characteristics of Perth's automobile based transport system, main features of Perth's transport planning system, the cost structure of Perth's transport planning process, equitable resource allocation for bicycle planning and the impact of Perth's urban planning process on non-motorised transport modes are discussed. Chapter five provides useful data and statistics related to the current usage and the provision of bicycle facilities in Perth. Chapter six examines policy issues and the decision making process concerning bicycle planning in Perth. The roles of the key stakeholders and their perspectives are examined. This chapter also highlights the disjointed and fragmented policy making processes adopted in bicycle planning in Perth. Chapter seven provides a series of specific policy recommendations to address the problem of the automobile dependent, unsustainable transport system in Perth. This Chapter concludes with the need to adopt well-co-ordinated strategies to promote the bicycle usage in Perth. The need to establish a single agency to co-ordinate bicycle planning activities and allocation of resources is highlighted. The need to expand the current horizon of bicycle planning which is limited to an approach limited to 4Es (i.e. Engineering, Education, Encouragement and Enforcement) is emphasised. Chapter eight identifies a number of research gaps related to bicycle planning in Western Australia.

The Bicycle as a Sustainable Transport Mode for Perth - Opportunities and Constraints

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